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Prep Volleyball: Bulldogs hang tough at SIRR Tournament

The Harrisburg volleyball team went 2-3 over the weekend at the Southern Illinois River-to-River Conference Tournament at Herrin High School.

Despite the one match win, a two set victory (25-13 and 26-24) over Sparta, Harrisburg head coach Heather Cox said it was the best conference tournament her team has played in the time she has been a head coach.

"Although we didn't achieve our goal of winning the tournament, we did have the best conference tournament that I've seen in my five years of HHS volleyball," Cox said. n"We played every team tough and wee've got a few kinks to work out, but the potential and ability is definitely there. It should be a very successful season if the girls continue to work like they have the past few weeks."

Harrisburg opened the tournament, losing to Nashville in three sets and then lost in two sets to Massac County.

The Bulldogs went 1-2 in pool play, placing them in the bronze bracket, where they fell to Pinckneyville (18-25 and 21-25) and lost in two sets to Carterville (25-12 and 25-13).

"Overall, we had a tough day playing in a very competitive pool," Cox added. "We served pretty well and passed well especially on serve receive. Defensively we struggled rotating on defense and reading the hitters shoulders. Offensively we are still trying to find a permanent line up. We have a few different schemes that we are trying. Not having a game before the tournament is tough. I am hoping to change our schedule up next year so we can get a game or two in before the conference tournament.

Bryleigh Buchanan had 22 kills on the day and was named to the All Conference Tournament team. Matty Hawkins finished with 23 kills, and Karsyn Davis had 18 kills. Senior setter Jessica Schwartz had 62 assists, while Devin Butler finished with 40 digs and Toni Crisp added 36 total digs on the day.

Harrisburg returns to action Tuesday, playing host to Eldorado at Davenport Gymnasium.